NO decision has been taken on a proposal to spend £41.8m refurbishing the Assembly Government’s headquarters, Rhodri Morgan said yesterday.

Senior officials are putting together a business case on a refit of the Cathays Park office complex near the centre of Cardiff where some 3,000 civil servants work.

At question time in the Senedd, the First Minister came under fire from the Tories who said it was “outrageous” that so much money was being considered for “perfectly adequate” offices.

Opposition leader Nick Bourne said the money could buy five primary schools, a district general hospital or 400 affordable homes.

“It is not the right time to consider this,” Mr Bourne said.

The First Minister said he gave civil servants a “steer” so they could put together an outline proposal, but only “on the clear understanding that isn’t a formal ministerial decision” to authorise the £41.8 million refit.

Upgrades to the 30-year-old Cathays Park might be able to save £5 million a year in the future, he added.

“I don’t think there is anything deluxe being considered here. If it was I would stop it.

“It would be wrong not to consider a project that might save us £5 million a year.

“When it comes to Cabinet, well clearly if it’s defensible it may well get approval. If it isn’t defensible then it won’t.”

Some staff have been moved to a new outpost in Merthyr Tydfil and officials wanted to bring Cathays Parks up to the same standard, Mr Morgan said.